Joy the Baker

I think this Bake Off got to me.  I woke up twice in the middle of the night, jumped out of bed, and found myself standing in the middle of my hotel room trying to figure out where to go to finish my dish, and how I could get it to the judges.

Really Joy?  You’re not in the Bake Off…. never mind the fact that the Bake Off is over.  Yeesh.  Ridiculous.  

Enough about me… look at these four lovely ladies.  One of them is about to win a cool million dollars.  Can you believe it?

These four lovely winners were announced in an all out U2 style rock concert hosted by Sandra Lee… no Bono in sight.  

The hugs.  The excitement.  The tears.  Evelyn won the Entertaining Appetizers category with her Salmon Pecan Crusted Tartlets.  Her daughter, who was standing next to me when her mother’s name was called, absolutely lost her mind.  They’re from California… but today they’re on their way to Chicago to meet Oprah.  Kinda a big deal.  

Niki won the Breakfast and Brunch slot.  Tomato Basil Eggs Alfredo in Bread Baskets.  Niki was the first person done with her dish…. aaaaand, she won.  Amazing.  

Kelli won for Zesty Lime Tacos.  Kelli, you might win a million dollars.  Whaaaat!?

Darling Sue won the dessert category with her Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups.  She’s a single mom who said she wanted to pay her son’s college tuition if she won the million.  I’d like someone to tell her she can buy a lot more than tuition with a million dollars.  Seriously.  

What happy cooks these ladies are.  They’re on their way to Chicago and the million dollar winner will be announced Wednesday afternoon live on Oprah.  Will you watch for me?  I don’t exactly have a television.  Yea… long story.  

The stoves are all packed up.  The big cameras and mic are gone.  Lights off.  Winners in Chicago.  What a lovely time I’ve had surrounded by sweet and competitive home cooks and their families.  

I’m rushing off to the airport without a million dollars.  Los Angeles or bust.  I need to get home to bake a cake, stat.